yuniang - World War II

It has been said that the secret weapon of World War II for the United States was the women. Women assumed the positions of their husbands and aided the army and government in many ways. So the country was benefiting from the women's work and the women were benefiting from the opportunities that were given to them at wartime. Women aided in making war production and collecting war bonds and dealing rations among many other jobs. However, probably the most beneficial job to have was serving in the military as a government girl, woman in science, healthcare provider, or be employed by the Red Cross or by one of the United Services Organizations (such as YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, the National Jewish Welfare Board, the Traveler's Aid Association, and the Salvation Army). These jobs were so beneficial because of the skills they taught and new opportunities that they offered in the future. During this period of time, women took it upon themselves and assumed their husbands' jobs. In Dollhouse, it is reversed. When Nora leaves she says,"I'm sure I'll think of you often, and about the children and the house here" (Ibsen 114) as she left Helmer to support their children, and assume the roles that their partner had done prior. This would be similar to what a drafted soldier would have said to their wife who would have to take over the same things as Helmer plus some.
To learn more about the different kinds of jobs women held during WWII, click here.

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu was one of a small number of women who worked on the Manhattan Project to create nuclear weapons, she was recognized as the "First Lady of Physics".

Source:
http://www.nwhm.org/online-exhibits/partners/exhibitentrance.html